GOP debate for governor centers on loyalty to Trump

Friday

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam threw the first punch in alluding to his frequent criticism of U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis for basing much of his campaign on Fox News appearances.

KISSIMMEE — Fidelity to President Donald Trump and his agenda was a recurring theme Thursday as Florida's two GOP candidates for governor met for their first debate.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam threw the first punch in alluding to his frequent criticism of U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis for basing much of his campaign on Fox News appearances. But Putnam often found himself on the defensive throughout the debate over his tepid support for Trump in the past and prior positions on Trump’s biggest issue - immigration.

Putnam noted that the conference room where the Fox News debate was held at the Gaylord Palms Resort is "completely different than a Washington, D.C., studio and I just want to say welcome to Florida, congressman.”

DeSantis shrugged off the attack and used his opening remarks to tout his endorsement by Trump.

The early sequence highlighted each campaign’s strong suit and vulnerability.

Putnam has emphasized his long history in the state and deep knowledge of Florida, while arguing DeSantis is not well versed on state issues. DeSantis has emphasized Trump’s endorsement and criticized Putnam for not being sufficiently supportive of the president and his priorities.

Playing to a GOP primary electorate that is strongly backs Trump and his policies, DeSantis often was the aggressor. He noted that Putnam never campaigned with Trump in 2016.

“You couldn’t find Adam Putnam if you had a search warrant,” DeSantis said.

“Look, I support our president, I support our president’s agenda for our country,” Putnam responded before rattling off a list of Trump initiatives he backs.

While asking whether Trump is partly responsible for some of the incivility in the current political climate, the moderators also pointed out that Putnam was critical of Trump during the 2016 campaign.

“During the campaign you were one of those critical Republicans… you did call Trump in the campaign, vile, obscene, dishonorable,” said moderator Bret Baier.

“I did not call the president those things,” Putnam responded.

Putnam did describe Trump’s comments on the so-called Access Hollywood tape as “vile and obscene.” Trump bragged on the tape about using his celebrity to grope women.

The candidates both said Trump bears no responsibility for escalating political tensions, pointing the finger at liberals such as U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters.

Both went out of their way to avoid any criticism of Trump, offering support for his agenda on everything from trade to foreign policy. Both said they would sign legislation to ban abortions once a fetus has a heartbeat. Both steadfastly said they would support efforts to strengthen Floridians’ Second Amendment rights. Both oppose Medicaid expansion. Both oppose legalizing recreational marijuana.

They also backed Trump's hardline immigration approach.

But DeSantis zeroed in on Putnam’s past positions on immigration, a potential liability in the GOP primary. He noted Putnam voiced support for the so-called Gang of Eight immigration bill that provided a pathway for citizenship for some undocumented immigrants, and said Putnam worked to undermine efforts to create an “E-verify” system in Florida that would force businesses to check the legal status of their employees.

Putnam often fell back on his “Florida First” slogan and implied that DeSantis is unprepared to tackle the state’s big issues.

The moderators also brought up Putnam’s criticism that DeSantis is “running this race from a D.C. TV studio.”

DeSantis responded to the criticism by noting he “was born and raised in Florida, grew up in Pinellas County” but has often had to be away from the state for military service and now as a congressman.

“There are definitely times when I wish I could’ve spent more time in Florida,” he said, adding: “Sometimes duty calls and sometimes you have to step up and do what’s right.”

The debate comes at a pivotal moment for both campaigns.

Polls show Putnam is the clear frontrunner in the race. He has a double-digit lead over DeSantis in recent surveys.

A fifth-generation Floridian who has deep connections across the state after more than two decades in public office, Putnam, 43, has built a robust statewide campaign that includes frequent grassroots events and strong fundraising.

DeSantis, 39, is a Harvard Law School graduate who served in the U.S. Navy and is a relative newcomer to politics, having won his first election in 2012. He has lagged in fundraising and is only just starting to ramp up his grassroots campaigning. He doesn’t have the same network of longtime supporters.

But after staunchly Trump on Fox News, DeSantis has the advantage of the president’s strong endorsement and support from other conservative heavyweights, such as Fox News host Sean Hannity, who is holding a series of rallies for DeSantis on Monday.

Putnam faces the challenge of trying to fend off a surging candidate who is seen as more conservative and more in line with the anti-establishment forces that have been propelling the party. DeSantis is still trying to prove that he can overcome a financial disadvantage and run a viable statewide campaign, ideally one that goes beyond support in the conservative media and Trump’s seal of approval.

DeSantis has begun to attract more interest from party activists such as Sheila Sweeney, who drove to the debate with her friend Joyce Easton. The two Cape Coral residents are members of the Republican Party of Lee County Executive Committee.

The women talked about the gubernatorial primary during their drive up. They are split between Putnam and DeSantis.

Easton believes Putnam has a better grasp of Florida issues. He served in the Legislature, as a congressman and as secretary of agriculture for the last seven years and has deep roots in the state.